Dr. John C. Stevens

Message from the Pres.

Dr. John C. Stevens, Chancellor Emeritus

Born July 15, 1918, Dr. John Stevens served for 12 years as Abilene Christian University's eighth president and for nine years as ACU chancellor. He has been chancellor emeritus since 1991. Currently, he spends much of his time researching the history of the university.
During his tenure as president, enrollment grew from 3,110 to a then-record high of 4,560 in the fall 1980, and construction was completed on the Don H. Morris Center, Cullen Auditorium and four major housing projects. Full-time faculty, which numbered 142 in 1969, increased to 184.

Stevens emphasized two primary goals as president: the growth of the institution, its campus, its academic quality and its student body; and the spiritual commitment of their entire institution, its administration, faculty/staff and students.
He grew up in Richland and graduated from Richland High School a year early in 1934.
That fall he came to Abilene Christian University, where he was president of the Students' Association in 1937-38, president of the A Club, and a member of Sub T-16 men's social club, Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta honorary historical society. He also lettered three years in debate. He graduated cum laude in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible.
Stevens preached for the next four years at the Jasper Church of Christ before accepting a one-year preaching appointment at Central Church of Christ in Beaumont. He actually began preaching sermons in 1931, a year after being baptized in Corsicana by Brother J.L. Hines.
In 1943 he joined the U.S. Army as a chaplain with the rank of first lieutenant. During his three years in the army he was awarded the European Theatre of Operations ribbons with campaign stars for Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, the Ardennes and Central Europe. He also was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters. In 1946 he was discharged with the rank of major.

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